Cyperaceae: Carex brevior
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Family Name
Cyperaceae
Common Name
Shortbeak sedge
Native American Name
pȟeží psuŋpsúŋla
Description
Carex brevior is a perennial sedge in the Cyperaceae family. It grows from a dense, fibrous root system with short rhizomes, sometimes forming small clumps but not extensive sods. The stems (culms) are upright, slender, triangular in cross-section, and usually 30–70 cm tall, smooth or minutely rough below the inflorescence. Leaves are mostly basal, grass-like, flat, and 2–5 mm wide, with sheathing bases and rough margins. Cauline leaves are few, shorter than the culms, and often drooping. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer (May–July). Inflorescences are terminal, composed of 2–5 short, dense, cylindrical spikes. The terminal spike is usually staminate (male), while the lower spikes are pistillate (female), but sometimes spikes are androgynous. Each spike is 1–3 cm long and 5–7 mm wide. Each pistillate flower is enclosed in a sac-like perigynium, which is green to brown, inflated, and beaked. The perigynia are 3–5 mm long and 1–2 mm wide, with a short, thick beak. The achene (seed) is lens-shaped, brown, and 1.5–2 mm long, maturing in early to midsummer. Shortbeak sedge is native to South Dakota, occurring in dry to mesic prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and disturbed soils, and is found statewide, especially in upland prairies and open meadows.
Horticulture Notes
Seed Collection: Seeds are mature when perigynia turn brown and dry, and can be stripped easily from the spike, typically in early to midsummer.
Germination: Seeds are best sown in fall or after 60–90 days of cold stratification; light exposure is beneficial for germination.
Vegetative Propagation: Can be propagated by division of clumps in early spring or fall.
Soils: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types.
Light: Thrives in full sun to light shade.
Water: Tolerates dry to moderately moist conditions; drought-tolerant once established.
Additional Notes
Shortbeak sedge is native and valued for erosion control and as a component of prairie restorations. It provides cover and food for native insects, small mammals, and birds.